Dagupan mayor chooses Vallo as next police chief

DAGUPAN CITY -- Mayor Benjamin Lim and the provincial police chief in Pangasinan seem disagree with each other on who will replace city police chief Romeo Caramat Jr., who is set to attend an officer training course this month.

Lim chose Police Superintendent Noel Vallo from the list of qualified officer submitted by the provincial police headquarters, citing his vast training and experience in police work and management.

"We trust that he would be able to implement various measures that would improve the peace and order situation in the city," the mayor said.

The list was submitted by Pangasinan Provincial Police Office head Mariano Luis Verzosa Jr. on August 22 but was only received by the mayor last August 28.

But even before Lim could announce his choice to succeed Caramat, news has reached him that the provincial police command will designate somebody as officer-in-charge.

Other nominees to the post who passed the officers placement board in Pangasinan are Police Superintendents Christopher Abrahano, Ronald Gayo, Paquito Navarette and Rodelio Samson.

Lim, however, insisted that local chief executives have the right to chose who they think deserves to be appointed as officer-in-charge based on the list submitted to them.

He said he will not accept the provincial police headquarters' choice.

Lim said he met all the nominees but he thinks Vallo is the most qualified to be the next head of the city police.

"I was able to look at their folders, made background check, I looked at their qualifications and the positions they have held. Their credentials are good and they are all good officers. However, I have chosen one whom I know would serve Dagupan best as police chief," Lim said.

Caramat is set to attend a Public Safety Officer Senior Executive Course, which will run for several months. His training will start September. (Sunnex)